Rapid growth of magnetite nanoplates by ultrasonic irradiation at low temperature

Two-dimensional plate-like Fe3O4 nanocrystals were synthesized by a facile method using ultrasonic irradiation in aqueous solution at low temperature without protection from oxygen. The crystals were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy. The products subjected to ultrasound showed a two-dimensional morphology. The results obtained indicate that the morphologies of the magnetite crystals depend more on the ultrasonic irradiation than on the growth temperature. The thickness and width of the crystals increased with increasing temperature of the reaction medium. In addition, the magnetic hysteresis loop of the magnetite nanoplates was obtained at room temperature.

Research highlights
► Magnetite nanoplates were prepared by adding ferrous salt into alkali solution under ultrasonic irradiation at low temperature.
► The size of Fe3O4 nanoplates was influenced by the reaction temperature.
► The reported method is easily performed without severe conditions.